To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what measures he is taking to build on those improvements in the performance of Government agencies which are set out in 1998 Next Steps Agencies report. [75376]

I very much welcome the improvement in performance of executive agencies as highlighted in the 1998 Next Steps Report. It is essential, however, that this improvement is built upon. With the introduction of Public Service Agreements, agencies will have an important role to play in helping Ministers deliver the Government's new priorities and objectives. I have encouraged colleagues to ensure that agencies' targets for the coming year reflect this contribution to broader goals.